Carlsbad, CA, USA
A walk beside Batiquitos Lagoon can become the starting point for a story, an art project, or a new question about wildlife. At The Native School Camps in Carlsbad, children explore nature through play and hands-on inquiry. Their interests help shape the learning, while educators prepare activities and guide discoveries. Outdoor exploration connects with creativity, conversation, and opportunities to work alongside other children.
The Carlsbad programs include Seedlings for ages 2.5–4 and Wildlings for ages 5–7. Younger explorers encounter nature through observation, imaginative play, art, and mindful moments outdoors. Wildlings combine field exploration with projects and age-appropriate learning across subjects. Both programs use small groups and an approach inspired by Forest School and Reggio Emilia practices. Children can follow an idea beyond a single activity and return to discoveries as their understanding grows.
The morning rhythm makes room for active exploration as well as shared stories, food breaks, and reflection. Children move between learning invitations, group gatherings, and walk-abouts rather than spending the whole morning on one kind of task. This mix suits young learners who enjoy being outside, asking questions, making things, and bringing stories to life through play. The natural setting is part of the learning itself, giving children real things to notice, discuss, and investigate together.
| Ages: | 3–7 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Exploration, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife, Conservation |
| Academics: | Academics, Learning, General Academics |
| Arts: | Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts |
| Meals Type: | Bring Your Own |
| Time: | 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
The Carlsbad sessions bring children together in Seedlings and Wildlings groups. Learning follows an emergent approach: educators respond to children’s questions and discoveries while preparing invitations that encourage exploration. Projects can continue over time, letting children revisit ideas and work through questions with others. The Forest School setting and Reggio Emilia influence connect play, creativity, and the natural environment.
For Wildlings, the day begins with time to greet peers and educators and ease into exploratory play. Learning invitations and project work follow, with possibilities such as construction, art, dramatic play, early literacy, and nature-based projects. A morning gathering brings the group together for a snack, discussion, and shared reading or writing. Math, science, and local history may also become part of these conversations.
Walk-abouts then extend inquiry into nearby surroundings. Children observe, move, and investigate through hands-on experiences before returning to lunch and reflection. Journaling, drawing, or shared stories may help bring the morning’s discoveries together. A closing circle leads into pickup. Seedlings follows a related rhythm of play, shared care, stories, outdoor discovery, and gentle transitions, adapted to younger children. Longer class options give both groups time to build familiar routines and continue their projects.
| Time | Wildlings activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00–08:30 AM | Arrival and community connection |
| 08:30–09:30 AM | Learning invitations and project work |
| 09:30–10:00 AM | Morning meeting and integrated learning |
| 10:00–11:15 AM | Walk-about and field exploration |
| 11:15–11:45 AM | Lunch, reflection, and closing activities |
| 11:45 AM–12:00 PM | Pickup and closing circle |
Pack a balanced, low-sugar lunch and snacks for your child, along with a water bottle holding at least 12 ounces. The morning includes a snack gathering and a brief shared lunch before reflection and closing activities.
Outdoor sessions continue in rainy conditions with appropriate waterproof clothing and boots. In extreme weather, such as lightning or severe wind and rain, a class may be canceled or moved to an alternate location. Teachers share the required rain gear with families. At the end of the morning, children reunite with caregivers during pickup.
Experienced educators lead small groups and guide children’s exploration. For Wildlings, teachers observe project work and respond to children’s interests with support that helps extend the learning. The approach combines prepared learning invitations with room for children to choose how they play, investigate, and create.
Families receive a summer orientation covering gear, maps, and daily logistics. A daily reflection slideshow includes photos, children’s quotes, and learning highlights, helping parents follow the experience beyond pickup. Ongoing communication and access to teachers provide further support. Families can also use resources on the class website.
Carlsbad camp mornings run Monday through Thursday at Batiquitos Lagoon. Pack a child-size backpack, a water bottle holding at least 12 ounces, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and an extra set of clothes. Children need sturdy hiking shoes or boots; sandals are not suitable. Choose clothing for the weather, including rain gear when needed. The summer orientation covers maps and daily logistics, while the morning closes with caregiver pickup.
Currently enrolled families receive an additional discount on eligible six- or eight-week classes. Choose the currently enrolled family price at checkout.
